Member Article

Gloucestershire youngster’s £1,000 boost for life changing operation

An eight-year-old boy from Gloucestershire hoping to undergo an operation to allow him to walk has been awarded £1,000 by Persimmon Homes.

Little Finlay Gilroy, 8, from Longlevens requires Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) after complications at birth left him with brain damage.

The operation costs £32,000 and isn’t available on the NHS but Finlay is hoping the operation will allow him to be able to walk and stand like his twin brother Daniel. Persimmon Homes Severn Valley donated £1,000 to the Footsteps 4 Finlay cause through the company’s Community Champions scheme. It is a national programme where charities and groups can apply for funding up to the value of £1,000 to match cash they have already raised themselves.

Finlay’s mother, Teresa Gilroy, said: “Finlay and his twin brother Daniel were born 13 weeks early but at some point during those early days Finlay suffered a bleed in his brain that left him with permanent brain damage.

“He is unable to stand up independently or do things that other children his age take for granted. He is a very happy and determined little boy who in spite of the restrictions of his disability tries to join in games like football with his brother.

“The operation involves cutting nerves in the spinal column which will release the stiffness in Finlay’s legs. This improvement will help him sit, stand and allow him to build up the strength in his legs to potentially walk independently for the first time in his life.

“We have a target of £32,000 for the treatment and rehabilitation and we’re grateful to Persimmon Homes for contributing to this cause.”

Nicola Hill, sales and marketing director of Persimmon Homes Severn Valley, added: “Finlay has show tremendous bravery in his young life and he has the opportunity for a life changing operation.

“Upon hearing about his story we wanted to contribute in any way we could and we’re only too pleased to give £1,000 towards the cause.

“We wish the young man all the best in trying to reach his fundraising target and look forward to following its progression in the months to come.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lee Southen .